SECURITY
16 ISIS Militants Killed in Afghan Commandos Operation in Nangarhar
Nangarhar: At least 16 militants affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist group were killed during an operation conducted by the commando forces of the Afghan National Army in eastern Nangarhar province. The operation was conducted with the support of the air power and several villages were cleared as a result of the operation. Four Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were also confiscated during the operations. Khaama
One Killed, Two Wounded in Gunmen Firing in Kabul City
Kabul: A civilian was killed and two others including a policeman were wounded in an attack by gunmen in capital Kabul. The gunmen who are believed to be members of a robbers’ gang opened fire on a check post as they were being chased by the security forces. Khaama
19 Militant Killed in Baghlan Airstrike in North of Afghanistan
Baghlan: At least 19 militants were killed in an airstrike conducted in Baghlan province in North of Afghanistan. During the airstrikes, twenty two militants were also injured. The growing activities by the Taliban insurgents forced the Afghan government to launch a large scale operation in this area. Khaama
63 Militants Killed in Past one Week in Nangarhar: Gen. Rahimi
Nangarhar: At least 63 militants have been killed in various counter-terrorism operations in eastern Nangarhar province in the past one week. During the operation ten militants were also wounded and at least 30 people were arrested. Security forces also confiscated 450 kg of Hashish, 108 bundles of explosives wires and 4,300 explosive chargers during the operation. Khaama
Taliban Set Free Four Tribal Elders Kidnapped in Logar
Logar: The Taliban have released four tribal elders after keeping them in captivity for months in the Azra district of central Logar province. Pajhwok
Policemen among Four Dead in Farah Firefight
FARAH: Two policemen and four Taliban fighters have been killed, while 11 others, including four policemen, wounded during a clash with Taliban in western Farah province. Pajhwok
POLITICAL
Countries Supporting Terrorism Should be Added to Blacklist
A number of Wolesi Jirga or lower house members said that the US was responsible for the defense of Afghanistan’s sovereignty under the Bilateral Security Agreement (BSA), urging the world to blacklist the states involved in supporting terrorism. Pajhwok
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Russia Reiterates Contacts with Taliban only Aimed at Promoting Afghan Peace
The Russian officials have reiterated that the recent contacts with the Taliban group were aimed at encouraging the group’s leaders to participate in an Afghan-led peace talks. Russia’s security adviser Nikolai Patrushev made the remarks during a meeting with the Afghan national security adviser Mohammad Hanif Atmar. They also discussed in detail Mascow support to Afghanistan in counter-terrorism. Calling Russia a close regional ally, Atmar said that the Afghan government will continue to need Moscow’s support in fight against terrorism, ensuring peace and stability, fight against drugs, and support to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces. Khaama
Russian Backs Afghanistan’s Reconciliation Policy
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has promised support for Afghan government policy of durable peace and stability in the war-torn country. He assured the Afghan officials that Russia will help them in defeating IS in Afghanistan. Pajhwok
Af-Pak Border may Re-open after Month-long Closure
Pakistan is expected to reopen its border with Afghanistan after a month-long unilateral blockade. All kinds of passenger and trade cargo movement across the Durand Line will be allowed. Pakistan closed the border after series of terrorist attacks inside Pakistan carried out by militants enjoying safe havens inside Afghanistan. Pajhwok
US, Germany Agree to Work together in Afghanistan
Reiterating their firm commitment to Afghanistan, the United States President Donald Trump and the German Chancellor Angela Merkel have agreed to continue to work together in bringing peace and stability in Afghanistan and in defeating ISIS. Pajhwok
Russia to Host Global Conference on Afghanistan Next Month
A peace conference on Afghanistan will take place on April 14 in Moscow and will bring together representatives of 12 countries. According to Atmar, “Moscow has invited all of us to participate in the meeting on April 14 and Kabul has already confirmed its participation on the relevant level”. Moscow assured Kabul during the talks held on Friday that all possible contacts with the Taliban movement will only be aimed at facilitating reconciliation in Afghanistan. Pajhwok
